Toms ready for English title clash
Northolt’s Ryan Toms will aim to take his career to a new level when he challenges for the English light-middleweight title this weekend.
The 30-year-old former solider faces defending champion Erick Ochieng at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night.
Toms, who was once on QPR’s books, will be looking to repeat the form he showed when he destroyed Nathan Weise in two rounds to regain the southern area title in July.
A victory this time would put him in the frame for a shot at the British title and although Ochieng, 25, is the favourite, Toms’ manager Dave Currivan is convinced his man will prevail.
“It’ll be a tough one this, but I really think Ryan can do it,” Currivan told West London Sport.
“His training’s gone really well, he’s looked good in sparring and is ready for Saturday night.
“I know Erick Ochieng from the amateurs and he’s a strong boy, but so’s Ryan so this one I’m sure will be a good fight.”
The bout is on the undercard of former world title challenger Tony Bellew’s light-heavyweight clash with Colombian Edison Miranda.
Ochieng, from Stoke Newington, has won 10 of his 11 professional contests and is confident he will see off the West Londoner’s challenge.
“Ryan’s a good fighter – he’s a tough southpaw – but we’ve got what it takes to be successful in this fight,” he said.
“We know he can fight and he’s got a good left hand, so we’re going to be smart, box him and break him down.”
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